SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
29 October 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered his keynote speech at the 2nd National Technical Vocational Education and Training (TechVoc) Congress held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Gaya po ng ating panata: Sa tuwid na daan, walan maiiwan. Iyan po ang transpormasyong tinatamasa na natin ngayon. Ang pag-angat na pakikinabangan ng nakakarami at hindi lamang ng iilan. Ito ang magbubunsod ng siklo ng patuloy na pag-unlad at pagbabayanihan,” said President Aquino in his address at the convention organized by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

The President proudly stated that TESDA is now reaping the fruits of its labor through proper management and focusing on the needs of the Filipino people. He reported that from July 2010 to September 2013, TESDA helped 547,554 students graduate through its Training for Work Scholarship Program. From the total number of graduates, 62.4 percent landed with employment according to a study conducted by the agency.

Further, the Chief Executive said that the government is preparing for 2015 and 2019 when the country reaches a so-called “demographic sweet spot” and “middle income sweet spot”, respectively. These occurrences would mean more investments, opportunities, jobs and income for the Filipino families. This is the reason why the administration continuously strengthens TESDA by sowing knowledge and skills today which can be harvested in the future.

President Aquino thanked all participants of the congress especially those in the industries and institutions which empower and support technical vocational programs.

He was joined by TESDA Director-General Joel Villanueva, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr.

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